Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described the adoption of a landmark United Nations resolution on the transatlantic slave trade as “historic,” saying it marks a turning point in how the world confronts the legacies of slavery.
The resolution, championed by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, was passed by the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with 123 member states voting in favour.
It calls for renewed international commitment to reparative justice for African nations and descendants of enslaved people, urging member states to engage in structured dialogue and concrete actions to address the enduring social and economic impacts of slavery.
Speaking to journalists after the vote, Okudzeto Ablakwa said the resolution ensures that future generations inherit truth, not silence.
“What we have achieved today helps all of us in our renewed commitment to remembrance, education, dialogue, and cooperation, so that we confront history honestly and address its legacies in ways that unite rather than divide,” he said.
After extensive debates, three countries—the United States, Argentina, and Israel—voted against the motion, while 52 nations abstained.
Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized that the resolution is a diplomatic and moral victory for Ghana, Africa, and the global community, reaffirming the continent’s leadership in demanding recognition, justice, and reparative action for the victims of the transatlantic slave trade.
